FDA Recall: Tomato Sauce Pulled from Shelves over Botulism Risk
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a recall of tomato sauce products from First and Last Bakery, LLC, based in Hartford, Connecticut, due to possible contamination with Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which produce toxins causing botulism — a rare but deadly foodborne illness.
Details of the Recall
- The affected products are tomato sauces packaged in 26-fluid-ounce jars.
- Each jar has a use-by date of September 2026.
- The sauces were sold at Big Y and Stop & Shop stores in Connecticut and Massachusetts on September 22, 2025.
- The recall was announced on Monday, November 3, 2025.
The sauces were manufactured "without an approved schedule process," meaning they may not have been sufficiently sterilized to eliminate Clostridium botulinum.
Health Risks and Consumer Guidance
Botulism is caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria thriving in low-oxygen environments, such as improperly canned or preserved foods. Though rare, the illness can be fatal.
If you have purchased any of the recalled sauces, do not consume them. Customers are urged to return the products to the store for a full refund. It is safer to select fresh, properly processed sauces or prepare your own following recommended canning practices.
Recall Impact During Holiday Season
The recall is particularly important with the holiday season approaching, a time when many people prepare special meals and stock up on ingredients.
Author’s summary: The FDA's recall of First and Last Bakery's tomato sauces warns of deadly botulism risk from improperly sterilized jars, urging consumers to return products and avoid consumption.